Martini Junction – Needham, MA

Martini Junction is a secret model train mini-city of sorts built in the Needham Town Forest. Consisting of 120 feet of track, supported in places by elaborate wooden supports, a station mini-scale table and benches, and other miniature pieces of scenery.

Flickr/ Val D’Aquila

Flickr/ Val D’Aquila

Built by Jim Metcalf 10 years ago, the location for Martini Junction was happened upon by Jim and his wife while strolling through the Needham Town Forrest and became a favorite place for them to picnic. Jim though it would be the perfect spot to sip a martini and the name Martini Junction was born.

Flickr/ Val D’Aquila

You may be lucky enough to visit the Junction on a day when its creator, Jim Metcalf, is there, if so he will unlock the remote-controlled train, run it around the tracks, and answer questions.

Getting there:

Getting to Martini Junction can be a little tricky…

Park at the end of Robinwood Avenue. Immediately inside the forest, take the first right and follow the “white” trail, marked by white marks on trees, and tiny white birdhouses. Within 5-10 minutes, take the unmarked trail off to the right. This trail is marked by the same tiny birdhouses, still white, but with orange roofs. Take this trail for another ten minutes or so.